The man accused of killing a Tongan man and attempting to kill the deceased’s wife can now be revealed as another Tongan.
‘Epalahame Tu’uheava, 28, was found dead next to his seriously injured wife, Mele, 25, in May 2018 on Greenwood Rd, Māngere, south Auckland.
Both had gunshot wounds to their upper bodies.
On Tuesday, Villiami Taani pleaded guilty to the murder of ‘Epalahame and attempted murder of Yolanda at Auckland High Court, Stuff has reported.
Taani was set to go to trial on June 4 at the High Court at Auckland over the murder and attempted murder charges.
The Tu’uheava’s bodies were found at about 6am on May 1, and Mele was taken to hospital where she underwent surgery.
A homicide investigation was launched immediately and an arrest was made a week after the deaths.
At the time, Māngere MP Aupito William Sio said it was heart-wrenching to hear a young father has been killed.
“Nobody wants anyone killed in our neighbourhood. The community works really hard to promote the positive aspects of Māngere,” he said.
Taani was remanded in custody and will be sentenced on July 23.
